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The Expatriate Academic Journey: A Deep Dive into Motives, Advantages and Challenges

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Title: The Expatriate Academic Journey: A Deep Dive into Motives, Advantages and Challenges
Language: English
Authors: Sylwia Przytula (ORCID 0000-0002-9602-241X)
Source: Journal of Further and Higher Education. 2026 50(3):536-553.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 18
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Foreign Workers, Higher Education, College Faculty, Teacher Motivation, Teaching Experience, Employment Opportunities, Barriers, Communication Problems, Languages, Faculty Mobility
Geographic Terms: Poland
DOI: 10.1080/0309877X.2026.2619932
ISSN: 0309-877X
1469-9486
Abstract: This article explores why expatriate academics choose to work abroad and examines their perceptions of the benefits and challenges of employment at foreign universities. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 expatriate academics from 21 countries across 16 Polish universities. Data analysis identified key motivations such as career advancement, gaining diverse research and teaching experiences, and enhancing employability. Many expatriates valued expanding their research networks and boosting their academic reputation, with nearly two-thirds working in international teams -- positively influencing curriculum internationalisation and staff development. Despite these benefits, expatriates faced significant challenges, including language barriers, administrative complexities, and bureaucratic obstacles. These issues affected university management practices and the effectiveness of teacher education and support systems. The study highlights the importance of responsive management strategies, such as regular feedback mechanisms and tailored staff development programmes, to better support expatriate academics. By addressing these challenges, universities can strengthen institutional capacity, enhance teacher training, and promote a more internationalised curriculum. This study advances the literature on academic expatriation by providing empirical insights into expatriate academics' motivations, challenges, and benefits -- an area remaining underexplored despite growing internationalisation efforts. It extends theoretical frameworks, such as those on international academic career and adjustment challenges. The findings offer actionable guidance for university policymakers and academic leaders tasked with internationalisation.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1505050
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Sylwia+Przytula%22">Sylwia Przytula</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9602-241X">0000-0002-9602-241X</externalLink>)
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  Data: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Foreign+Countries%22">Foreign Countries</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Foreign+Workers%22">Foreign Workers</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Higher+Education%22">Higher Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22College+Faculty%22">College Faculty</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Teacher+Motivation%22">Teacher Motivation</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Teaching+Experience%22">Teaching Experience</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Employment+Opportunities%22">Employment Opportunities</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Barriers%22">Barriers</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Communication+Problems%22">Communication Problems</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Languages%22">Languages</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Faculty+Mobility%22">Faculty Mobility</searchLink>
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  Data: This article explores why expatriate academics choose to work abroad and examines their perceptions of the benefits and challenges of employment at foreign universities. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 expatriate academics from 21 countries across 16 Polish universities. Data analysis identified key motivations such as career advancement, gaining diverse research and teaching experiences, and enhancing employability. Many expatriates valued expanding their research networks and boosting their academic reputation, with nearly two-thirds working in international teams -- positively influencing curriculum internationalisation and staff development. Despite these benefits, expatriates faced significant challenges, including language barriers, administrative complexities, and bureaucratic obstacles. These issues affected university management practices and the effectiveness of teacher education and support systems. The study highlights the importance of responsive management strategies, such as regular feedback mechanisms and tailored staff development programmes, to better support expatriate academics. By addressing these challenges, universities can strengthen institutional capacity, enhance teacher training, and promote a more internationalised curriculum. This study advances the literature on academic expatriation by providing empirical insights into expatriate academics' motivations, challenges, and benefits -- an area remaining underexplored despite growing internationalisation efforts. It extends theoretical frameworks, such as those on international academic career and adjustment challenges. The findings offer actionable guidance for university policymakers and academic leaders tasked with internationalisation.
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      – Text: English
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        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Foreign Workers
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      – SubjectFull: Higher Education
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      – SubjectFull: College Faculty
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      – SubjectFull: Teacher Motivation
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      – SubjectFull: Teaching Experience
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      – SubjectFull: Employment Opportunities
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      – SubjectFull: Barriers
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      – SubjectFull: Communication Problems
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      – SubjectFull: Languages
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      – SubjectFull: Faculty Mobility
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      – SubjectFull: Poland
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